State Agencies Give Somber Warning About 100 Deadliest Days

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – According to preliminary reports, 56 reported fatalities have occurred on Idaho roads since May 26. That’s approximately one death each day since Memorial Day weekend.

The top three most common contributing factors in Idaho crashes are aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired driving, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

“Human behavior is the cause of 94 percent of our crashes,” said Josephine Middleton from ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “We can all do little things like buckling up, putting our phones away or just being a little more patient — together we can make a difference.”

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Beginning today, in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Idaho roads, more than 50 state and local law enforcement agencies will partner with ITD. Officers will conduct additional patrols through Aug. 4 with a focus on aggressive driving, distracted driving and seat belt use.

Using your seat belt significantly reduces the odds of being killed or injured in a crash. From 2011-2015, nearly two thirds of the people who died in Idaho crashes were not wearing seat belts.

The 100 Deadliest Days mobilization is funded by Office of Highway Safety as part of its “Towards Zero Deaths” goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and keep Idaho families whole. The 100 Deadliest Days span the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day – the busiest months on our roads.

“Across the state we see more people on the roads – more motorcycles, more pedestrians and more construction,” Middleton said. “We can work together to make sure we all make it home safe at the end of the day.”